Roseburg mayor candidates speak at luncheon

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ROSEBURG, Ore. -- The two candidates for Roseburg mayor faced off Monday in a debate.

Incumbent Mayor Larry Rich and challenger Mike Baker spoke about several different topics at the Roseburg Chamber Luncheon.

The two gave opening statements, and then answered questions posed by the audience.

Topics ranged from downtown economics to the large homeless population, and keeping the lines of communication open with other cities in the county.

Both men noted their past experience. Rich has been the mayor or Roseburg for 14 years, and Baker has served on the city council for eight years.

Mayor Rich says that his experience makes him the obvious choice. "People have seen over the years how I operate, and they can see the track record that I have, and hopefully they like what they see," he said.

But Baker argues that Rich has doesn't do enough to help spur local job growth, and says that it's time for a new person to take over the position. "I think it's important, I think we have an opportunity," he said. "I think we need new leadership. I do think it's time for action, we really have to move forward."